Rats: The world’s most destructive pest

Rats and other species of rodents can have a devastating impact on businesses, particularly those operating within the food industry. Not only can they cause an outbreak of foodborne illnesses, due to the diseases they spread, but they can also have a negative effect on brand reputation, operating costs and revenue.

The research showed that out of all the different species of pests, rats are the most destructive pest for businesses.

Why are rats the world’s most destructive pest?

It may or may not shock you to learn that 49% of businesses report electrical damage caused by rodents.

Rats have a pair of continuously growing incisor teeth in both their upper and lower jaw. As a result, they have to continuously gnaw on objects to wear them down and prevent them from becoming too long.

Rats and mice are known to gnaw on electrical cables. Not only is this a major fire hazard when they gnaw through to the copper and the wires short out, but it can also result in the failure of electrical equipment leading to production downtime.

The findings from our report showed the true impact rodent infestations can have on a business.

Over a quarter of the businesses, we surveyed reported damage to electrical equipment following a rat infestation, with nearly half of them confirming that the damage caused to machinery was directly caused by rats.

For businesses operating in the food industry, and in particular food manufacturing facilities, this can have a large impact on the production cycle. Our survey discovered that food-focused businesses lost an average of 8 working days due to rat infestations.

It’s not just the food industry which can be affected by rodents, as 20% of all the businesses we surveyed reported machine downtime.

How to prevent rats

Ensuring the necessary procedures are in place to prevent these rodents is the best way to keep your business safe from rats.

Connected pest control

Rentokil’s Connect is an innovative pest control solution that utilises the Internet of Things to support businesses that are legally required to demonstrate a high level of hygiene and those who have high-value assets to protect.

AutoGate Connect

AutoGate is designed to effectively control and monitor rats and provides rapid protection as soon as an infestation occurs. It uses a smart gate mechanism to allow access to bait placed inside bait stations.

The advantages of AutoGate:

immediate and automated response

real-time reporting of incidents and access to data via email, SMS and a customer portal

complies with the EU Biocidal Products Regulation

safe in high-risk areas

wireless technology

reduced risk of damage and financial penalty

improves safety for staff and customers

Integrated pest management

An integrated pest management programme provides an effective solution to manage a rat problem. By using a combination of common-sense practices it can proactively prevent and eliminate an infestation from your business.

Jack Lyons

I joined the Marketing and Innovation team at Rentokil in 2015, and my mind has quickly become accustomed to the weird and wonderful world of pests. Outside of work my main hobby is music, being a huge fan of bands such as Queen and Led Zeppelin as well as being an avid drummer.

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Rentokil Initial plc employs 38,000 people in over 66 countries offering the strengths and experience of a multi-national organisation, whilst retaining the agility and characteristics of a local company.